1944
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March 1- June 18--Advance into the Marianas.
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Nimitz supported the operation because it would allow the
United States to take control of critical land air strips. These
bases would allow B-29's to bomb Japan.
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The Marianas was the biggest operation the US forces would
encounter up to this point.
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The Navy used attrition of carrier force against Japanese-held
islands. The carrier as an offensive weapon had shown its effectiveness.
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The superior US carrier force was so effective, the encounter
t the Marianas is usually called the Marianas Turkey Shoot. The Japanese
lost 400 planes from its carriers and the islands, while Americans lost
around thirty planes.
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Summer--President Roosevelt traveled to Hawaii to meet with
Admiral Nimitz and General MacArthur.

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They sat down in a big room where Nimitz and MacArthur both
presented their different strategies to the President.
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President Roosevelt seemed to side with MacArthur because
he agreed MacArthur should march into the Philippines even if it was for
emotional and high political reasons.
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No concrete strategy was established by the President in
the visi
Nimitz, MacArthur, and Roosevelt
discussing strategy (Naval Historical Center)
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Sept. 29--King, Nimitz, and Spruance San Francisco meeting.
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They agreed to make Okinawa the principal objective for amphibious
assaults the following year.
Dec.--Nimitz took rank as Fleet Admiral.
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